Hi there... remember me? I used to have this blog called Our Rhodes to Happiness. And then life happened. I can totally make up 94 excuses as to why I haven't posted in ohhh.. 3 months.. but let's just skip that part. Why? Because you're here now and let's just move past the awkward fake breakup. GUESS WHAT?! I have some really exciting things to throw at you. Some really beautifulllllllll things. Some really helpful things. Are you catching on? This is a beauty secrets post! But don't take my word for it, I'm no professional. However, I have a bunch of friends that ARE professionals in all things BEAUTY and I've asked them for their BEST pieces of advice. You're about to read the secrets and tips of Nashville's best. I've asked 2 Celebrity Hair & Make Up Artists, 2 Celebrity Stylists, and 2 Fitness Experts for their best tricks of the trade... and now you're about to get that insider information. You're welcome.

THIS IS A BIG DEAL.

First. Let's talk a little about the word "beauty." Webster's definition of beauty: "the qualities in a person or a thing that give pleasure to the senses or the mind." I actually really like this. It doesn't say it has to be physical. It doesn't say it has to be appealing to the opposite sex or another human being. It says that beauty is what brings pleasure to the senses or the mind. THE MIND. The mind can dictate beauty. YOUR mind can dictate beauty. ((Notice it doesn't say anything about SOCIETY or OTHER PEOPLE dictating beauty)). So let's build up your knowledge a little bit. Your knowledge on clothes, on make up, on hair, on fitness, on health, on your spirit.... Let's strengthen that BEAUTIFUL mind of yours, and let these Pros share some of their tips and tricks with you, you beautiful little thing!

Let's start by saying that while typing this post I'm full out jamming to my girl Meghan Trainor's song Close Your Eyes, which you can buy on iTunes by clicking the title of the song. Could there be a better theme song to go along with a Beauty Tip post? AHHHHITHINKNOT.

Is it a requirement for all Celeb Stylists to have a PhD in Microbiology? No... but this one does. First up we've got Amber Lehman. Amber is a wardrobe stylist who's star-studded, red carpet client list ranges from Kenny Chesney to Best New Artist Brett Eldredge, Lauren Alaina to Julianne Hough, and from The Band Perry to Cole Swindell. The list LITERALLY keeps going and going. Amber definitely knows what she's doing and she wants to pass some of those insider stylist tips to you! Here's what Amber has to say...

"To make your legs appear their absolute best, invest in a great nude heel or wedge and wear with skirts. Instantly makes your legs appear longer. No ankle straps either so that you don't cut your eyeline short! And when wearing ankle boots, which are all the rage the last couple years with skirts, be sure the bootie stops at the smallest part of your leg for the most flattering look."

"Invest in proper undergarments. You will look so much slimmer and really make the most of your assets if you are wearing the right underthings. The right size and shape bra for your outfit can make you look perkier and stand taller. And DON'T be afraid of Spanx! Spanx are the best supporting actress at ALL red carpet events! Even for the slimmest of gals, Spanx can smooth out all the bumps, giving you the best silhouette possible! And as far as underwear--NO PANTY LINE IS A GOOD PANTY LINE. Get yourself some Hanky Panky thongs or the Target brand nude thong is only $6, and lies perfectly smoothly and doesn't catch on fabric."

"Add a little sparkle. One of my favorite quotes is from Oscar Wilde: You can never be overdressed or overeducated. In my book you can also hardly ever be overaccessorized. What better time to bring out those blinging earrings!"

"Always eat healthy (at least the day of your event) so you feel your best. Often what you put in your mouth can really affect your mood and the confidence you feel for yourself! I suggest a protein-rich breakfast of a scrambled egg white omelet packed with veggies, some wheat toast, and coffee to get ya going! And DON'T FORGET TO EAT. Not eating can be almost as bad as overeating! A steady intake of healthful snacks throughout the day like raw almonds, string cheese and lots of veggies (plus drinking water!) will keep your mood soaring and keep you from feeling bloated on your big night."

To see some of Amber's work, check out her website here! Amber is also a spokeswoman/designer for fashionABLE, a non-profit organization creating sustainable business for women in Ethiopia by training them to make high-end scarves. Learn more about the organization and how you can get involved, check out their website!

Next we've got Ms. Tarryn Feldman, Hair and Make Up Artist to oh so many celebs here in Nashville. This chick has rocked out looks for everyone from The Black Keys to Danielle Bradbery to the Alabama Shakes. After crushing it in Los Angeles, she graced Nashville with her presence in 2011 and has called it home ever since. She's not only great at making people GORGEOUS, but she also is insanely talented in Special FX makeup. (check out the video we did together for Highway Don't Care by Tim McGraw ft. Taylor Swift & Keith Urban. The girl in the car accident with all the blood and gashes? Yep, that'd be Tarryn's work. Watching her create that in the make up trailer was one of the coolest things I've ever witnessed). Anyway - onto her tips and tricks. Tarryn says...

"Go to a salon to get your lashes tinted! You can also do this at home. It's a GREAT way to make your lashes look fuller and better with or without any mascara! IT'S THE JAM!"

"Latise REALLY WORKS!!"

"My favorite lip stains are from a line called LimeCrime." (the lips you see above LimeCrime's Suedeberry stain)

"Lash primers help A LOT before mascara for all day wear and fullness."

Often finding herself practicing handstands during her 9-5, another one of my favorite Yogi's in town, Kate Moore, started GetFit615in March 2014. She is living proof that with inspiration, drive, and a dream you can do anything you set your mind to. Her goal: get people to sweat more. GetFit615 is Nashville's best new group fitness and training gym right on Music Row and you've GOT to get there. Kate's philosophy: every one, every strength and every body is invited to GetFit615 and she can't wait to see you there! Kate's killer fitness tips...

"First thing is to STOP FEELING GUILTY and to start having fun! Make fitness fun instead of something that you feel like you "should do." We all know working out is healthy but it is meant to make us feel GOOD."

"Actually schedule time for fitness. And schedule it with a friend. Say something like 'Hey meet me for the 5:30 class at GetFit615.' That way you gain a bit of accountability. AND it's an easy way to schedule time with friends!"

"A great way to end a work out is to get a juice or smoothie at the Turnip Truck!"

"I recommend getting gear that you want to wear so then when you put it on, you'll feel cute and want to go get sweaty in it!"

Our 2nd Hair & Make Up Artist of today's Tips and Tricks is Jillian Doherty. Yes yes yes, Jillian is of course, a HMU artist to the STARS (and lots of them... ranging from Hank Williams Jr to the Titans Cheerleaders), but she is also one for little ol' me! On that fateful day about 6 months ago (HOLY COW TIME FLIES) she was the one and only HMU artist that did my wedding make up! She's a total pro and her skills are endless. Jillian's best tips...

"For smooth, bouncy waves, curl your hair with an iron that is smaller than you want the end result to be. Spray with a brushable, working hairspray, then gently brush in long strokes with a boar bristle paddle brush. The Vivienne Mackinder VM Oval 9 Row Brush is one of my go-to brushes on set and at home - it's affordable, compact, and gives you gorgeous hair."

"In staying with the brushing idea... get in the habit of brushing your hair before you go to bed with a natural boar bristle brush. It smooths the cuticle and also spreads your natural hair oil from scalp to ends, which naturally protects and hydrates your hair! (Especially with winter stressed hair from hats, snow, updos, tangly locks). It's also FANTASTIC for a great smooth easy blow dry! (Use cool heat at the end to finish, slew the cuticle , and maximize shine)."

"A Winter MUST - commit to regular hair cuts with a stylist you trust to make sure your style always looks polished. I recommend every 4-6 weeks and in between, do weekly treatments (I love Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Oil and Caviar Anti-Aging Over Night Hair Rescue). Beth Minardi also has an AMAZING Fortifying Pre Wash Therapy and all of her shampoo/conditioners are luxury top of the line. Taking care of your hair between hair cuts is important for everyone, but especially on darker tones bc split ends add dullness to the bottom that you can actually see."

"Another Winter MUST - invest in your winter shade of foundation, blush, and lipstick or gloss. As your complexion changes, you should adjust the shades you use. I just learned that Sephora has a foundation matching tool you can check out at your local Sephora!

Next we've got Stylist and Nashville trend setter Shaina Burrell. Do you ever flip through People Magazine, find a spread on one of your favorite artists, and wonder WHO PICKED OUT THAT FREAKISHLY ADORABLE SKIRT?! Yeah, I've done that. And then I found out it was one of my best friends who picked out that freakishly adorable skirt. And she's here to give you advice. Some of Shaina's best styling notes...

"The main rule I live by is alterations, alterations, alterations. It's ALWAYS important to have your clothes fit to perfection. You don't have to spend money on designer pieces. You could buy a $25 dress from Forever 21 and by altering it to fit you perfectly, it'll look like you spent $250 or even $2500 on it. Make cheaper pieces look more expensive and custom with a little alteration!"

"I think the most important staple I have in my closet is a good V-neck T-shirt. They will go with almost anything! Dress it up with a skirt and blazer or wear it alone with jeans and add some cool statement pieces of jewelry! I like to spend a little more money on a decent one at the beginning of a season that will last for a while. The 3 best colors to have are white, black and grey!"

"KNOW YOUR COLORS. It's important to buy clothes that compliment your skin tone. Knowing your body and what works best is important! Don't try to pull off yellow just because you like the color."

"If you feel uncomfortable in what you're wearing you most likely look uncomfortable. Confidence always wins."

See Shaina's work for Little Big Town's artist Kimberly Schlapman in a recent spread in People Magazine or in Southern Living. Also, follow her on insta!!

Coming to you now is Emma Poliseno. One of Nashville's very best Yogi's and Teachers. Emma recently transitioned from a powerful, bustling music industry position to being a full time, spirited Yogi. By focusing on her passion, she is able to bring instant gratification and lasting transformation to the minds, bodies, and souls of all her students. Emma's tips...

"After taking a good sweaty yoga class for at least an hour, just rinse your face with cool water! Your sweat releases toxins and brings a new glow to your skin. The cool water is a nice little refresher to cleanse your face and cool your body temperature down after a great yoga session. Keep it simple and natural."

"Next, apply coconut oil under your eyes. This will bring your skin a great brightness. You can do this at any point during the day! Not only does it boost your glow, but you feel like you're on the beach with the faint and subtle smell of coconuts!"

"ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS stay hydrated with plenty of fresh water throughout the day! There are ENDLESS benefits."

There you have it! 24 of the BEST BEAUTY TIPS AND TRICKS from Nashville's finest! Between the 6 of them, they've worked with everyone in Country Music and way way beyond...

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of the beauty experts that contributed their words of wisdom for this post! Amber, Tarryn, Kate, Shaina, Jillian, Emma... you are all so so wonderful and I'm honored to call you my dear friends.

Leave a Reply.

About Leah

Chicago girl married to a South Georgia boy, living in Nashville. Together, making life a bit more beautiful, one step at a time. These are my stories, my recipes, my DIYs... all coming together as our Rhodes to Happiness. [click the photo for more info]

Want an email update when there's a new blog post?! We will not share your email address with anyone or any robot… no spam, just blog posts! ↓ Subscribe below! ↓